Key Moments

The Future of Everything: What CEOs of Circle, CrowdStrike & More See Coming in 2026

All-In PodcastAll-In Podcast
Entertainment4 min read135 min video
Jan 25, 2026|120,173 views|1,939|161
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TL;DR

CEOs discuss the AI-driven future: stablecoins, cybersecurity, eVTOLs, and AI compute infrastructure, emphasizing innovation and challenges.

Key Insights

1

Stablecoins are evolving into a critical internet-native financial infrastructure, bridging traditional finance with digital assets.

2

AI is rapidly transforming cybersecurity, making attacks more sophisticated and autonomous, necessitating AI-driven defenses.

3

eVTOLs are on the cusp of regular urban deployment, with regulatory hurdles being overcome and public acceptance crucial.

4

The massive AI buildout requires immense computing power and energy, driving innovation in data center infrastructure and power generation.

5

Economic and geopolitical shifts are creating new complexities for global businesses and fostering a focus on national champions.

6

The integration of AI into business operations and management is becoming essential, potentially redefining leadership roles.

THE EVOLUTION OF MONEY AND THE RISE OF STABLECOINS

Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire highlighted the foundational shift of stablecoins as an internet-native money protocol, designed to bridge traditional fiat systems with the digital realm. Initially conceived as an 'HTTP for dollars,' stablecoins like USDC offer programmable, peer-to-peer transactions, creating a vital infrastructure for a digital economy. Despite early skepticism and regulatory challenges, the focus on regulatory compliance has been key to Circle's strategy, aiming for trust and integration with legacy financial systems. The GENIUS Act, while prohibiting direct interest payments on stablecoins, acknowledges their role as payment instruments and allows for rewards programs through financial partners, fostering a balanced regulatory environment.

CYBERSECURITY IN THE AGE OF AI AND AUTONOMOUS THREATS

George Kurtz of CrowdStrike detailed the profound impact of AI on cybersecurity, noting that it lowers the barrier for sophisticated attacks. Adversaries can now automate complex operations, making attacks faster and more unique, often mimicking nation-state capabilities. A significant concern is 'prompt-only autonomous malware,' which can operate independently without traditional command-and-control signals. CrowdStrike leverages its extensive data and AI to counter these evolving threats, focusing on detecting 'indicators of attack' rather than just known malware signatures. The rise of remote work and AI-generated résumés also introduces new vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for robust identity verification and embedded security within HR processes.

AIRBORNE MOBILITY: THE ASCENSION OF eVTOLS

Archer Aviation CEO Adam Goldstein provided a concrete timeline for the adoption of eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft). With regulatory fast-tracking and a focus on public acceptance, the first commercial flights are expected in mid-2026 across five U.S. cities. Archer's acquisition of Hawthorne Airport near LAX and its exclusive rights for the LA28 Olympics demonstrate a strategic push towards establishing operational hubs. The core advantage of eVTOLs lies in their enhanced safety through redundancy and reduced complexity compared to traditional helicopters, promising quieter, more efficient urban transportation and significant economic benefits for the aviation sector.

POWERING THE AI REVOLUTION: ENERGY AND COMPUTE INFRASTRUCTURE

Chase Lochmiller of Crusoe Cloud addressed the immense energy and infrastructure demands of the AI boom. The company's 'energy-first' approach, utilizing abundant renewable and natural gas resources in locations like West Texas, is crucial for powering large-scale AI data centers. Crusoe is investing heavily in energy development, including gas turbines and a 'second-life' battery program, while also exploring innovative solutions like small modular nuclear reactors for carbon-free power. The escalating density of AI hardware necessitates advanced cooling and power delivery systems, with a single rack expected to consume as much power as a thousand homes in the near future, highlighting the scale of this infrastructural challenge.

GEOPOLITICAL SHIFTS AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

Discussions touched upon the evolving geopolitical landscape, characterized by a move towards 'national champions' and increased economic fragmentation. This shift presents complexities for global businesses, requiring adaptation to new alliances and trade dynamics. Simultaneously, the accelerating impact of AI on the labor market raises questions about widespread job displacement and the concentration of capital gains among owners. This necessitates a re-evaluation of the social contract, potentially requiring new economic models and broader stakeholder involvement, such as equity ownership, to ensure inclusive prosperity.

INNOVATION IN CREDIT AND FINANCIAL SYSTEMS

The convergence of AI, blockchain, and stablecoins is poised to revolutionize credit markets. Lending protocols built on stablecoins are already facilitating trillions in loans, operating with unprecedented transparency and efficiency. These 'self-driving banks,' powered by smart contracts, manage risk and collateral autonomously. The future envisions credit markets that function with the speed and efficiency of digital advertising auctions, improving access to capital for individuals and businesses. This innovation aims to increase monetary velocity, foster economic growth, and ultimately drive global prosperity through frictionless exchange of value.

GPU Power Consumption by Generation

Data extracted from this episode

GPU GenerationPower per Rack (kW)
Traditional (5 years ago)15
Traditional (20 years ago)4
Blackwell chips (current)130
Vera Rubin (next generation)250
Vera Rubin Ultra (future)600
Future Goal1000 (1 megawatt)

Common Questions

Circle adopted a 'buttoned-up and proper' approach to regulation from the start, working with policymakers and integrating with existing financial systems. They were the first to understand that connecting the fiat system to crypto required compliance, even testifying to the Senate in 2013. This approach has allowed them to define a legal pathway for their USDC stablecoin.

Topics

Mentioned in this video

Companies
Mitsubishi

Major producer of gas turbines.

Crusoe Cloud

A NeoCloud company focused on energy-first computing infrastructure for AI, with major customers like Oracle and OpenAI.

GE Vernova

Major producer of gas turbines, facing supply chain constraints.

Intersect Power

An energy developer recently acquired by Google, indicating a trend towards tech companies building their own energy infrastructure.

Oracle
CrowdStrike
Western Union

Traditional money transfer service, referenced as an expensive alternative to stablecoins for remittance.

Archer Aviation

A company developing eVTOL (flying car) aircraft, focused on certification, airport acquisition, and commercial service.

Zevo Energy

An incredible partner for Crusoe Cloud in developing AI factories powered by SMRs.

Zierero

An early eVTOL company that received support from Larry Page.

Virgin Galactic

A spaceflight company that had a tragic incident, referenced as an example of dangers in early aviation platforms.

Boom Supersonic

An incredible company re-engineering turbines for supersonic jet travel, now selling gas turbines to Crusoe Cloud.

Bank of America

A major bank that could potentially use stablecoin technology.

Sarafic

A company acquired by CrowdStrike, specializing in browser security by running beneath the browser to detect malicious activity and wall off data.

Coreweave

Another NeoCloud company mentioned in the early contingent.

Fervo Energy

A company making innovations in geothermal energy production at scale and competitive price points.

Breov

Jeremy Allaire's previous company that went public.

First National Digital Currency Bank

A national trust bank that Circle is setting up, which has received conditional approval.

Joby Aviation

A contemporary eVTOL company, making announcements about New York City operations.

American Express (AMEX)

A major financial institution that could potentially use stablecoin technology for payments and wealth management.

Caterpillar (Solar)

Produces gas turbines, a company that Crusoe Cloud works closely with.

General Catalyst

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